1.1A bill for an act1.2relating to economic development; creating an entrepreneur resource virtual 1.3network; requiring a report.1.4BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:1.5    Section 1. MINNESOTA ENTREPRENEUR RESOURCE VIRTUAL NETWORK 1.6(MERVN).1.7(a) The Office of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (OESBD) in 1.8the Department of Employment and Economic Development must develop, maintain, and 1.9market a virtual network to provide seamless access to statewide resources and expertise 1.10for entrepreneurs and existing businesses using private sector funding. The network must 1.11connect Minnesota entrepreneurs to available state and nonstate supported services and 1.12technical assistance. In developing and maintaining the network, OESBD must ensure that 1.13all listed resources meet established standards. The goal of the network is to assist in the 1.14creation of new Minnesota ventures, the growth of existing businesses, and the ability 1.15of Minnesota entrepreneurs to compete globally. To the greatest extent possible, the 1.16network should be built on and linked to existing resources designed to make business 1.17assistance resources more accessible to Minnesota business. The commissioner of 1.18employment and economic development shall seek sufficient private sector funding to 1.19develop and maintain the network.1.20(b) By September 30, 2010, the commissioner must report to the chairs and the lead 1.21minority members of the committees of the legislature with responsibility for economic 1.22development on the department's plans and progress towards the development of the 1.23network under this section.2.1EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.